Center for Relativistic Laser Science

 I am writing, testing and using simulation programs for precise particle and spin tracking in storage rings. The main applications for these programs are the proposed proton electric dipole moment (pEDM) experiment and the muon g-2 experiment. Both experiments are precision experiments and the use similar experimental techniques. The simulations are needed to test new concepts and to design the pEDM-ring.

I am studying about growth methods and electronic structures of high tc superconducting films using low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with high magnetic field. I plan to grow high tc superconducting films under ultra high vacuum (UHV) and confirm the superconductivity of them using STM in situ. Based on the research results, I will try to develop superconducting cavities.

I have been interested in searching for anything beyond the standard model to understand what the Universe is. Now I am after the dark matter of the Universe by searching for axion. Then, the next after the dark matter will be the rest of the Universe.

Research interests:

- Trigger system design and construction for COMET experiment

- Trigger algorithm development for COMET experiment

- Signal processing electronics and DAQ system construction for CAPP Axion experiment
- Simulational efforts for Fermilab g-2 and BNL pEDM project

Broadly speaking, I am strongly interested in both aspects of the CAPP program, namely axion searches and the measurement of the proton electric dipole moment, together linked to the fundamental time reversal symmetry, ouside the traditional framework of the Standard Model of particle physics (what experts in the field call the Kobayashi-Maskawa framework). Axion searches, on the other hand, can have major cosmological consequences, whether or not an axion is discovered. Axions are in fact thought to provide most of the astronomical dark matter, which constitutes another great mistery in modern physics. My focus is currently on dark matter axion searches.

My research interests are:

Beam position monitoring
Beam profile monitoring
Spin and beam tracking

My research interests lie in modern particle physics, focussing especially on the strong CP problem and one of its great candidate solutions, the axion.

I am working on a ground based telescope project called GroundBird to detectB-mode of the CMB polarization, which can be a smoking gun level discovery of the inflation model of our universe. The telescope is under construction in KEK/Japan. Our group is working on the focal plane optics, a small R&D on the superconducting film based resonator (MKID: Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector) for the photon detection, and the readout electronics in the frequency domain. Till summer of 2015 is my sabbatical period at CAPP.

Research Interests

1. Axion Detecting Experiment with Resonant Cavity: Simulation with software, Measurement with hardware
2. Beam Dynamics inside Particle Collider: Simulation with C++
3. Network Simulation with Object-Oriented Programming: Image processing with Java, Network processing with Pajek

Design of HTS DC model cable, Design, simulation and fabrication of HVDC system using thyristor converter

Experiment of the HTS DC model cable with LCC-HVDC system, Superconductivity-related experiment

Simulation of power system using EMTDC & RTDS, Design of HTS DC reactor

FEM analysis of HTS coil using COMSOL Multiphysics, AC loss measurement of HTS cable and HTS magnet

Thermal network modeling of helium gas cooled HTS DC cable, High pressure, cryogenic temperature gas and gas mixture properties measuring.

Labview programming

Functional Brain Mapping Lab

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very powerful non-invasive tool to visualize brain morphology, physiology, function and connectivity. However, MRI originates from water protons, thus its biological source is not straightforward. Especially, widely-used blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) fMRI relies on the presumably close relationship between neural activity and hemodynamic responses. Therefore, it is crucial to understand underlying basis of fMRI for proper quantification and determining ultimate limits. Also MRI can image entire brain repeatedly from anesthetized to awake animals, and its readout can be combined with diverse manipulations such as sensory, electrical, chemical and optogenetic stimulation, and pharmacological interventions for answering system-level neural circuits. To obtain multimodal functional neuroimaging data, animal MRI facility (9.4 T and 15.2 T Bruker) is accompanied with a neurophysiology laboratory with electrophysiology, intrinsic optical imager, laser Doppler flowmeter, etc. Our research lab consisting of MR scientists and system neuroscientists focuses on three inter-related research themes; a) the development of physiological and functional MRI techniques, b) the investigation of biophysical and physiological sources of MRI signals (functional MRI, perfusion, diffusion, chemical exchange MRI), and c) the application of neuroimaging techniques to systems neuroscience research. 

Selected Recent Publications

1. Jin T, Wang P, Zong XP & Kim SG, “MR imaging of the Amide-Proton Transfer effect and the pH-insensitive Nuclear Overhauser Effect at 9.4 T”, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 69: 760-770, 2013.

2. Vazquez AV, Fukuda M, Crowley JC & Kim SG, “Neural and hemodynamic responses elicited by forelimb and photo-stimulation in  Channelrhodopsin-2 mice: Insights into the hemodynamic point-spread function”, Cerebral Cortex 24(11): 2908-2919, 2014.

3. Jin T, Mehrens H, Hendrich KS & Kim SG, “Mapping brain glucose uptake with chemical exchange-sensitive spin-lock magnetic resonance imaging”, Journal of Cerebral Blood and Metabolism 34(8): 1402-1410, 2014.

4. Iordanova B, Vazquez AL, Poplawsky AJ, Fukuda M, and Kim SG, “Neural and hemodynamic responses to optogenetic and sensory stimulation in the rat somatosensory cortex”,  Journal of Cerebral Blood and Metabolism 35(6): 922-932, 2015.

5. Poplawsky AJ, Fukuda M, Murphy M & Kim SG, “Layer-specific fMRI responses to excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activities in the olfactory bulb”, J of Neurosci 35(46): 15263-15275, 2015.

Introduction

Dr. Lau earned his doctoral degree from Oxford University, and was a professor at Columbia University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 2021 he joined as the team leader of the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan.

In his academic book ‘In Conscious We Trust’, published in 2022, Dr. Lau presented an original theory of consciousness perception through empirical research and theoretical cooperation. In recent years, studies such as the interpretation of whether machines such as artificial intelligence (AI) can be conscious like humans (‘17, Science) and the presentation of computational methodologies to evaluate metacognitive abilities have attracted attention. Based on these achievements, he won major awards in psychological science, including the William James Award in 2005 and the Janet Taylor Spence Award in 2012.

Dr. Lau joined IBS in September 2024, and set a goal to find fundamental reasons why the way humans experience the world is different from other animals. Specifically, to reveal why the development of the prefrontal cortex, one of the unknown regions of the brain, is particularly noticeable in humans compared to other animals and how its function contributes to perception, he plans to study a combination of non-invasive experimental methods that are safe for humans and advanced technologies that can be used in animal models such as rodents.

Selected Recent Publication

Cocoan lab (Computational Cognitive Affective Neuroscience Laboratory)

Introduction

The mission of our lab is to understand pain and emotions in the perspective of Computational, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience. We also aim to develop clinically useful neuroimaging models and tools that can be used and shared across different research groups and clinical settings.

Our main research tools include functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), psychophysiology measures (skin conductance, pupilometry, electrocardiogram, respiration), electroencephalogram (EEG), and other behavioral measures such as face recording camera, eye-tracker, etc. Most importantly, we use computational tools to model and understand our affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses.

Selected Recent Publication

Introduction

I joined the School of Medicine, SungKyunKwan University as a Professor since Nov 2024. I received my D.Phil. (Sociology) in 2008 from the University of Oxford. Then I worked as a post-doc on the Understanding Autism Project at Columbia University in New York before joining the Sociology Department at UCLA in 2012 as a faculty member. 

My research has been focused on the intersections between social network analysis and social epidemiology. My major test cases are the diffusion of health conditions that people don't typically associate with network processes. I ask questions such as: under what circumstances suicides can have a large rippling effect? What are the roles of knowledge diffusion in the rising prevalence of autism? Using these cases, I demonstrate how paying attention to social networks can help us understand puzzling epidemiological patterns that cannot be readily explained by shifts in biological risks. 

Currently, I have been exploring the utility of tools from network science in other domains such as neuroscience. I am applying networks and other methods to fruit fly connectome data and human brain imaging data.

My work has appeared in Journal of Neuroscience, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, American Journal of Sociology, Demography, Social Forces, International Journal of Epidemiology, Health and Space, and other journals. My research has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Health. I'm the lead author of the paper that received the Eliot Freidson Outstanding Publication Award in 2011. 

Selected Recent Publication

1. Liu KY, Lau H (2022) Subjective experiences as nodes within mental disorder networks. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 26 (12) 1040-1042

2. Liu, K. Y., Teitler, J. O., Rajananda, S., Chegwin, V., Bearman, P. S., Hegyi, T., & Reichman, N. E. (2022). "Elective Deliveries and the Risk of Autism.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine

3. Taschereau-Dumouchel, V., Liu, Ka Y., Lau, H. (2018). Unconscious psychological treatments for physiological survival circuits. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 24: 62-68 

4. McCurdy, LY, Maniscalco, B, Metcalfe, J, Liu, Ka Y, de Lange, FP, Lau, H (2013). Anatomical coupling between distinct metacognitive systems for memory and visual perception. The Journal of Neuroscience 33(5): 1897-1906.

5. Liu Ka Y, King M, Bearman P (2010) Social influence and the autism epidemic. American Journal of Sociology 115(5): 1387–1434

6. Liu, Ka Y, Chen, E, Cheung A, Yip PSF (2009) Psychiatric history modifies the gender ratio of suicide rates. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 44(2):130-4

Lab Name: Neurovascular Coupling Laboratory

Introduction

Our laboratory aims to understand the basic mechanism of physiological interaction among neurons, glias and vascular system and provide better insights for perfusion related neuroimaging techniques. Our particular research interests include: 1) Study the effect of chronic stress on neurovascular coupling at functional and structural level, 2) Study  the effect of pathologically heightened neuronal excitation and synchronization on neurovascular coupling at functional and structural level and develop cell-therapy for epilepsy, 3) Study neurovascular coupling mechanism through neurovascular coupling modulators, such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, & glucose, and 4) Develop novel techniques to restore neurovascular coupling dysfunction

Selected Recent Publication

1. Lee S, Kang B, Shin M, Min J, Heo C, Lee Y, Baeg E, Suh M*, "Chronic stress decreases cerebrovascular responses during rat hindlimb electrical stimulation", Frontiers in Neuroscience 23;9:462, 2015.

2. Im S, Kim WJ, Kim YH, Lee S, Koo JH, Lee JA, Kim HM, Park HJ, Kim DH, Lee HG, Yoon H, Kim JY, Shin JH, Kim LK, Doh J, Kim H, Bothwell ALM, Lee SK, Suh M, Choi JM^*, "A novel CNS-permeable peptide, dNP2 enables cytoplasmic domain of CTLA-4 protein to regulate autoimmune encephalomyelitis", Nature Communication 15;6:8244, 2015.

3. Jo A, Heo C, Schwartz TH, Suh M*, "Nanoscale intracortical iron injection induces chronic epilepsy in rodent", Journal of Neuroscience Research 92(3):389-397, 2014.

4. Heo C, Lee SY, Jo A, Jung S, Suh M*, Lee YH*, "Flexible, transparent, and non-cytotoxic graphene electric field stimulator for effective cerebral blood volume enhancement", ACS Nano 25;7(6):4869-4878, 2013.

5. Jo A, Do H, Jhon GJ, Suh M*, Lee Y*, "Electrochemical nanosensor for real-time direct imaging of nitric oxide in living brain", Anal Chem 1;83(21):8314-8319, 2011.

Neurophotonics Lab

Introduction

We use light as a tool to understand and manipulate living biological system, aiming to address pressing problems in neuroscience. Our research theme includes but is not limited to intravital imaging techniques, optical neuromodulation, and bio-integrated photonics. We take multidisciplinary approaches integrating optics, engineering, and biomedicine.

Selected Recent Publications

1. Choi M, Choi JW, Kim S, Nizamoglu S, Hahn SK, Yun SH, "Light-guiding hydrogels for cell-based sensing and optogenetic synthesis in vivo", Nature Photonics 7(12): 987-994, 2013 (featured in Nature Photonics, Nature Methods, Nature Review of Endocrinology, Thomson Reuter, etc.).

2. Choi M, Ku T, Chung K, Yoon J, Choi C, "Minimally invasive molecular delivery into the brain using optical modulation of vascular permeability", PNAS 108(22): 9256-9261, 2011.

3. Kim JK*, Lee WM*, Kim P*, Choi M*, Jung K, Kim S, Yun SH, "Fabrication and operation of GRIN probes for in vivo fluorescence cellular imaging of internal organs in small animals",  Nature Protocols 7: 1456-1469, 2012 (*co-first author; cover article).

4. Choi M, Humar M, Kim S, Yun SH, "Step-index optical fiber made of biocompatible hydrogels",  Advanced Materials 27: 4081-4086, 2015.

5. Choi M, Lee WM, Yun SH, "Intravital microscopic interrogation of peripheral taste sensation",  Scientific Reports 5: 8661, 2015.

Sensorimotor Cognition Lab

Introduction

My lab is interested in how attention and cognition modulate sensory neural representation and transmission of the neural information to the downstream motor areas in the brain. I use in-vivo neurophysiological recording techniques, computational modeling, and sophisticated behavioral control for understanding neural codes in the cortical/subcortical regions using NHP as an animal model. The lab also pursues to address the same questions using brain imaging techniques, including EEG and fMRI, through collaboration with others in the center.

Selected Recent Publications

1. Joonyeol Lee and Stephen G. Lisberger, "Gamma synchrony predicts neuron–neuron correlations and correlations with motor behavior in extrastriate visual area MT", Journal of Neuroscience 33: 19677-19688, 2013. 

2. Joonyeol Lee, Mati Joshua, Javier F. Medina, and Stephen G. Lisberger, "Signal, Noise, and Variation in Neural and Sensory-Motor Latency", Neuron 90: 1-2, 2016.

3. Jin Yang*, Joonyeol Lee*, and Stephen G. Lisberger, "The interaction of Bayesian priors and sensory data and its neural circuit implementation in visually guided movement", Journal of Neuroscience 32: 17632–17645, 2012 *Equal contribution.

4. Joonyeol Lee and John H. R. Maunsell, "Attentional modulation of MT neurons with single or multiple stimuli in their receptive fields", Journal of Neuroscience, 30: 3058-3066, 2010.

5. Joonyeol Lee and John H. R. Maunsell, "A normalization model of attentional modulation of single unit responses", PLoS ONE, 4(2): e4651, 2009.

Lab Name:  Protein Design & Protein Materials Lab

Introduction

Our laboratory focuses on design and structural characterization of supramolecular protein assemblies that can be toward to make cellular and molecular therapies effective and practical approaches eventually to treat disease. Protein-based biomaterials designed by utilizing the tools of De Novo protein design (rational and computational designs) are used to study the mechanisms by which chemical or mechanical signals are sensed by cells and alter cell function. These biomaterials that interface with nanoscience are used to deliver drugs safely and efficiently; to prevent, detect, and treat disease; to assist the body as it heals; and to engineer functional tissues outside of the body for organ replacement. Our biomaterials are now designed rationally or computationally with controlled assembly structure and dynamic functionality to integrate with biological complexity and perform tailored, high-level functions in the body. Design of new biomaterials provides desirable cues in a variety of tissue engineering, immunotherapy and drug delivery to promote the regeneration or targeted destruction of tissues and organs in the body.

Selected Recent Publications

1. Yong Ho Kim, Jason E. Donald, Gevorg Grigoryan, George P. Leser , Alexander Y. Fadeev, Robert A. Lamb, and William F. DeGrado, “Capture and Imaging of the Pre-hairpin Intermediate in Viral Membrane Fusion of the Paramyxovirus PIV5”, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108: 20992-20997, 2011.

2. Gevorg Grigoryan*, Yong Ho Kim*, Rudresh Acharya, Kevin Axelrod, Rishabh M. Jain, Lauren Willis, Marija Drndic, James M. Kikkawa, and William F. DeGrado, “Computational Design of Virus-like Protein Assemblies on Carbon Nanotube Surfaces”, Science 332: 1071-1076, 2011 *- Authors contributed equally.

3. Ivan V. Korendovych, Yong Ho Kim, Andrew H. Ryan, James D. Lear, William F. DeGrado, and Scott J. Shandler, “Computational Design of a Self-Assembling β-Peptide Oligomer”, Organic Letters 12: 5142, 2010. 

4. Ivan V. Korendovych, Alessandro Senes, Yong Ho Kim, James D. Lear, H. Christopher Fry, Michael J. Therien, J. Kent Blasie, F. Ann Walker, and William F. DeGrado, “De Novo Design and Molecular Assembly of a Transmembrane Diporphyrin-Binding Protein Complex”, Journal of the American Chemical Society 132: 15516, 2010.

Lab Name: Medical Image Processing Lab

Introdution

Our lab focuses on developing novel data processing algorithms for neuroimaging. We are particularly interested in image registration, segmentation, and feature extraction for various medical imaging modalities. Neuroimaging data contain millions of voxels and thus robust algorithmic considerations are required to properly explore such high-dimensional data. We are witnessing exponential growth in accumulated data with advances in neuroimaging technology. Thus, the role of data post-processing will be an integral part of advanced neuroimaging research. We also have following research interests; 1) data mining for neuroimaging, 2) medical image analysis for age modeling and neurological disease, 3) medical image analysis for cancer management.

Selected Recent Publications

1. B. Park and H.Park, “Connectivity differences between adult male and female patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to resting-state fMRI”, Neural Regeneration Research, 2015.

2. B. Park, J. Seo, J. Yi, and H.Park, “Structural and functional brain connectivity of people with obesity and prediction of body mass index using connectivity”, PLoS ONE 10(11): e0141376. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141376, 2015.

3. S.-J. Choi*, J.-H. Kim*, J. Seo, H.-S. Kim, J.-M. Lee, and H.Park, “Parametric Response Mapping of Dynamic CT for Predicting Intrahepatic Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Conventional Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization”, European Radiology 26(1): 225-234, 2016. (* equal contribution)

4. H.Park, D. Wood, H. Hussain, C. Meyer, R. Shah, T. Johnson, T. Chenevert, and M. Piert, “Introducing Parametric PET/MR Fusion Imaging of Primary Prostate Cancer”, Journal of Nuclear Medicine 53: 546-551, 2012.

5. H.Park, P. H. Bland, and C. R. Meyer, “Construction of an Abdominal Probabilistic Atlas and its application in Segmentation", IEEE Transactions on medical imaging, 22: 483-492, 2003.

Lab Name: Visual Cognitive Neuroscience Lab

Introduction

Visual Cognitive Neuroscience Lab @ SKKU is a research lab investigating psychological and brain processes involved in perception, memory and cognitive control by measuring eye movements and EEGs with solid psychophysics. Currently, we study  dynamics of perceptual bistability, contextual memory retrieval, and motor inhibition.

Selected Recent Publications

1. Kang, M.-S., & Choi, J, "Retrieval-induced inhibition in short-term memory", Psychological Science, 26(7): 1014-1025, 2015.

2. Kang, M.-S., Hong, S. W., Blake, R., & Woodman, G.F, "Visual working memory contaminates perception", Psychonomic Bulletin & Review 18: 860-869, 2011.

3. Kang, M.-S., Blake, R., & Woodman, G.F, "Semantic analysis does not occur in the absence of awareness induced by interocular suppression", Journal of Neuroscience 31: 13535-13545, 2011.

4. Kang, M.-S., & Blake, R, "What causes alternations in dominance during binocular rivalry?"
, Attention, Perception & Psychophysics 72(1): 179-186, 2010.

5. Kang, M.-S., "Size matters: A study of the binocular rivalry dynamics", Journal of Vision 9(1): 17, 1-17, 2009.